Adedokun Waliyu 
The Republican-led US senate on Wednesday rejected a war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s ability to carry out further military action against Iran.
The chamber voted 53 to 47 against advancing the measure, falling short of the simple majority required to move it forward.
The vote largely followed party lines, with Democratic senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania joining Republicans in opposing the motion, while Republican senator Rand Paul of Kentucky took sides with the Democrats.
The resolution, introduced by Tim Kaine, called for removing US armed forces from hostilities involving Iran unless congress explicitly authorises military action through a declaration of war or a specific use-of-force mandate.
The vote marked the first congressional effort to rein in Trump since he ordered US strikes on Iran over the weekend, escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Democrats argued the measure was necessary to reclaim congress’ constitutional authority to declare war.
Kaine told senators that the administration itself had described the conflict as a war.
“You can’t stand up and say this is a pinprick that doesn’t lead to the level that would be characterised as war,” Kaine said during the debate.
“Members of the senate, this is war.”
Chuck Schumer, senate Democratic leader, also urged lawmakers to support the measure, saying Americans were weary of prolonged military engagements in the region.
“Today, senators face a choice: stand with the American people who are tired of war in the Middle East, or side with Donald Trump, who bumbled America into another war most Americans fiercely oppose,” Schumer said.
Republicans, however, defended the president’s actions, arguing that he was acting within his authority as commander-in-chief to protect US interests.
“This is not a forever war, indeed not even close to it. This is going to end very quickly,” said Jim Risch of Idaho, chairman of the senate foreign relations committee.
The measure had not been expected to pass, as Republicans hold slim majorities in both chambers of congress and have previously blocked similar attempts to curb the president’s war powers.
The house of representatives is expected to vote on a similar resolution on Thursday.
